Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jul 2008
A distinct pattern of myofascial findings in patients after whiplash injury.
To identify objective clinical examinations for the diagnosis of whiplash syndrome, whereby we focused on trigger points. ⋯ Patients with whiplash showed a distinct pattern of trigger point distribution that differed significantly from other patient groups and healthy subjects. The semispinalis capitis muscle was more frequently affected by trigger points in patients with whiplash, whereas other neck and shoulder muscles and the masseter muscle did not differentiate between patients with whiplash and patients with nontraumatic chronic cervical syndrome or fibromyalgia.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2008
Daily utility and satisfaction with rollators among persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
To characterize the daily utility and satisfaction with rollators in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ COPD patients provided with a rollator for use during daily life were most satisfied with its effectiveness and least satisfied with its weight. Daily use was generally high with over half the patients using the rollator on a daily basis. Rollators were more often used outdoors than indoors.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2008
The relationship between repeated epidural steroid injections and subsequent opioid use and lumbar surgery.
To evaluate whether the use of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) is associated with decreased subsequent opioid use in patients in the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) and to determine whether treatment with multiple injections are associated with decreased opioid use and lumbar surgery after ESIs. ⋯ Opioid use did not decrease in the 6 months after ESIs. In this population, patients who received multiple injections were more likely to start taking opioids and to undergo lumbar surgery within the 6 months after treatment with ESIs. These findings are concerning because our data suggest that ESIs are not reducing opioid use in this VA population.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Jun 2008
ReviewA systematic, critical review of manual palpation for identifying myofascial trigger points: evidence and clinical significance.
To determine the reproducibility of manual palpation in identifying trigger points based on a systematic review of available literature. ⋯ The methodologic quality of the majority of studies for the purpose of establishing trigger point reproducibility is generally poor. More high-quality studies are needed to comment on this procedure. Clinicians and scientists are urged to move toward simpler, global assessments of patient status.